Field-Marshal Sir Douglas Haig has issued a special order in which he congratulates the mining and tunnelling units, and says they demonstrated their complete superiority over the Germans. He adds that the units achieved a magnificent success at Messines, prepared offensives on the Somme, at Arras and at Ypres, and carried out dangerous tasks in removing enemy traps and mines on roads, bridges, and in dug-outs. They showed the highest qualities as engineers and as fighting troops. Special mention is made of the Australian Electrical and Mechanical Mining Boring Company. General Sir John Monash says it would be disastrous if the Australian YMCA lessens its operations during demobilisation. The winter months especially will be arduous, and the troops will suffer if, with the cessation of fighting, the Australian public ceases financial support. The troops will be inhabiting districts entirely devoid of means of securing reasonable comforts, apart from the Government ration, and it will be many months before the bulk of the troops can be embarked homewards. Repatriated Australians are arriving at Hull in big batches daily. Men captured at Fleurbaix testify to the brutality of the Uhlan escort which marched them to Lille, and also to the French citizens who tried to give the Australians food. Many give harrowing accounts of the bestial treatment of the prisoners in the dungeons of Fort Macdonald at Lille. A meeting of the Abermain and Neath Returned Soldiers' Association was held in the Abermain School of Arts on Sunday, Mr W. Sample presiding over a fair attendance. The secretary was instructed to write to the Federal member, with a view of negotiating with the Government, and obtaining a German gun, as a VC had been won by a soldier in the town, the late Captain Jeffries. It was also resolved to allow the soldiers who had left Australia to become members of the association, whether they had seen action or otherwise. A large audience assembled in the Institute Hall on Saturday, to appreciate the enlistment of Privates Paterson, Morgan, Booth, and Emslie, who were undergoing their training in camp, but discharged on the signing of the armistice. A presentation of a gold ring, suitably inscribed, to each of the soldiers, on behalf of the public of Charlestown, was made by members of the Red Cross committee. Each soldier suitably responded and refreshments were provided by the committee for the guests and their friends. A dance followed. Mr and Mrs McMahon, of High Street, Greta, have received a cable message from their son, Lieutenant L. S. McMahon (who was a prisoner of war in Germany), saying he has arrived in Edinburgh. Miss Janet Shears, of Minmi, has received a letter from Chaplain J. Calder, dated from France, referring to the death of her brother, Private Frederick Shears, who was killed in action. After offering his sympathy, Chaplain Calder says: “Your brother was killed instantaneously by a shell on the 9th April, in Villers Bretonneux. On that day the battalion moved out to go into the front line. The Germans were not far away, and they heavily shelled the place during the whole of the time we were in the village. A big shell struck the building where your brother was, entirely demolishing the place, and killing your brother and wounding several others. The same day he was buried, and his grave is in the garden of the big Chateau, which was used as our headquarters during our stay in Villers Bretonneux. He was a fine fellow, bright and cheerful in his manner, and liked by all who knew him. His death was a great loss to his company, and to our battalion, for we can ill afford to lose such men in these trying times.” Miss Shears has also received a letter from Private T. Etheridge, who, in the course of his letter, says: “Your brother's death was felt by all who knew him here, and, in fact, the whole battalion. You can feel proud of your brother, as he was a brave soldier, and one to do all he could for his fellow comrades.” Private P. O'Connell arrived home from the front on Friday night. The ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the Wallsend Soldiers' Memorial will be performed by Mr. D. Watkins, M.H.R., on Saturday afternoon next. The function will be attended by Brigadier-General Paton, returned soldiers, and ladies of various patriotic bodies. Selections will be played by the Model Band and patriotic songs contributed. An invitation is extended to the returned soldiers of Wallsend and district to parade in front of the monument site, Plattsburg Park, at 2.40 p.m. In the meantime, they are requested to get into touch with Sergeants Huntley or Hyslop. There was a large assemblage at the Waratah School of Arts on Monday night, when a reception was given to Brigadier-General Paton, Gunner Gaites, and Petty Officer Gibbs. Lieutenant Brown, and Privates Clarke and Smith were to have been welcomed also, but were unable to be present. The returned men were motored to the hall in cars, lent for the occasion and were received with cordiality by those assembled in front of the hall. A guard of honour was formed by the Red Cross and the Patriotic League ladies, and the Mayfield Boy Scouts, appropriate music being supplied by the Waratah Town Band. In welcoming the men on behalf of the citizens, Alderman A. Griffiths, the Mayor, referred to the pleasant conditions that prevailed now, in view of the close of the war. They were all proud of the part their own town had taken in furnishing recruits, and glad to welcome back among them those who had fought so well. The Mayor also expressed pleasure at their having with them that evening Mrs Paton, who recently returned from Europe. Each of the soldiers were presented with suitably inscribed gold medals, as emblems of the citizens' esteem and admiration for their patriotism. The Rev. R. Campbell and Mr D. Watson spoke of the value of Australia's service in the war. In responding, Brigadier-General Paton said that the Australian soldiers, both in Gallipoli and France, were the admiration of their officers, whom they had never failed. Refreshments were provided by the ladies during the evening, and a vocal and musical programme was enjoyed by all. The public are warned to take no chances with the influenza epidemic should it make its appearance in Australia, but to send for the family doctor and go to bed. This Influenza plague has already proved itself deadly, and has now broken out in New Zealand, and it may make its appearance in Australia any day, in spite of the rigid quarantine regulations. If you have an attack of the real influenza your digestion will be a wreck, your head, legs, and back will ache, your heart action may be affected, and you will have a temperature. These conditions need the attention of a skilled medical attendant. It stands every member of the community in hand to so look after their general health to prevent if possible becoming infected with this deadly germ, and to accomplish this no better remedy could be taken than Dr. Morse's Indian Root Pills. They are a searching, cleansing remedy. They are mild in their action, but highly effective in cleansing the system of all impurities and preventing germs getting a chance to incubate. Petroleum oils, salts, tonics, and other so-called remedies are of little use to cleanse the system and keep these germs in check, in fact, they will have a tendency to aggravate an already deranged gastric condition. It would also be advisable to take from 5 to 10 grains of Aspirin two or three times daily if feeling out of sorts, or 10 grains of Quinine on retiring at night the same time as the pills are taken. A common cold can usually be broken up if either Aspirin or Quinine are taken with Dr. Morse's Indian Root Pills on the first indication of a cold. Following these simple precautions may prevent an attack of serious illness. If you get the real influenza do as already stated, send for the doctor, and go to bed. Don't try and doctor yourself. The complaint is too dangerous to take chances with. The doctor may or may not allow you to continue taking Dr. Morse's Indian Root Pills. In any case, follow his directions both with medicine and food, and you will be on the safe side. Sister Egan, a military nurse from off the troopship Medic, died from pneumonic influenza at the quarantine hospital at North Head on Wednesday afternoon. It is stated that the next of kin of deceased lives in East Maitland. The latest hospital report shows that there were four new cases. There are 13 dangerously ill, 13 seriously ill, and 96 merely ill. In addition, there are 121 convalescents in hospital, 269 convalescents on the station (healthy ground), and 551 contacts on the quarantined ships. Among the patients entered to the quarantine hospital at North Head on Wednesday were Private Evan G. Braithwaite (next of kin, Mrs T.A. Braithwaite, of Maitland Street, Newcastle), and Private Amos Wm. G. Cullip (next of kin, Jacob Cullip, of 75 Broadmeadow Street, Broadmeadow, Newcastle). In the Legislative Assembly Mr Loughlin asked the Premier if, in view of the great anxiety that parents were enduring because they could not get satisfactory news from quarantine regarding their sons, he would consider the advisableness of making representation to the Federal authorities with a view of getting information telegraphed every day to the parents of those returned men who were dangerously ill. Mr Holman, the Premier, replied that he had drawn the attention of the Acting Prime Minister to a number of allegations that had been made about mismanagement at the quarantine station. As to whether the allegations were true or not, he could not say. If an inquiry was granted by the Federal Government he would bring this matter under the notice of whoever was appointed to conduct the inquiry. Mr T. P. Prince, of James Street, Mayfield, has received word that his son, Second Lieutenant T. H. Prince, of the Australian Flying Corps, who was reported seriously wounded in both thighs, is now convalescent. Lieutenant Prince is an Anzac, and he sustained his wounds a few days before he was to leave France on extended furlough. Mrs Redding, of Throsby Street, Wickham, has received information that her husband, Sergeant James Redding, has been admitted to the Boscombe Military Hospital, England, suffering from concussion, and that four of his toes have been amputated. Mrs Terry, of Tyrrell Street, Newcastle, has received a letter from Captain C. J. McKay, of the Fourth Light Horse Brigade, referring to her son, the late Trooper A. J. (Bert) Terry, who was killed in action in Palestine. Captain McKay, in offering his sympathy, says that the death of Trooper Terry was a great blow to his comrades. Captain McKay says: “On the morning of October 25 we were detailed to attack Semakh. We took the place in 40 minutes, but poor Bert, with some twenty others, passed away. He and his comrades were buried on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, with military honours. When our padre buried them, he told us to tell their people they died planting the British flag in territory over which it had never flown before.” Trooper Terry was previously wounded, and had two horses shot under him. Private Charles Ford Asbrey, Mayfield; Private Mathew Fitz, Newcastle; Private Alexander Kelly, Barrington; Private Lake Foster King, Wickham; Private Albert Masson, Wickham.

Centenary of the Great War

INDELIBLE IMAGE: Graves would always provide the enduring visual impact of the Great War. Photo: The Digger's View by Juan Mahony.

Newcastle Morning Herald transcriptions and Huner Valley death details for December 2-8, 1918

MINERS AND TUNNELLERS

Field-Marshal Sir Douglas Haig has issued a special order in which he congratulates the mining and tunnelling units, and says they demonstrated their complete superiority over the Germans. He adds that the units achieved a magnificent success at Messines, prepared offensives on the Somme, at Arras and at Ypres, and carried out dangerous tasks in removing enemy traps and mines on roads, bridges, and in dug-outs. They showed the highest qualities as engineers and as fighting troops. Special mention is made of the Australian Electrical and Mechanical Mining Boring Company.

NEED OF COMFORTS

General Sir John Monash says it would be disastrous if the Australian YMCA lessens its operations during demobilisation. The winter months especially will be arduous, and the troops will suffer if, with the cessation of fighting, the Australian public ceases financial support. The troops will be inhabiting districts entirely devoid of means of securing reasonable comforts, apart from the Government ration, and it will be many months before the bulk of the troops can be embarked homewards.

REPATRIATED AUSTRALIANS

Repatriated Australians are arriving at Hull in big batches daily. Men captured at Fleurbaix testify to the brutality of the Uhlan escort which marched them to Lille, and also to the French citizens who tried to give the Australians food. Many give harrowing accounts of the bestial treatment of the prisoners in the dungeons of Fort Macdonald at Lille.

ABERMAIN

A meeting of the Abermain and Neath Returned Soldiers' Association was held in the Abermain School of Arts on Sunday, Mr W. Sample presiding over a fair attendance. The secretary was instructed to write to the Federal member, with a view of negotiating with the Government, and obtaining a German gun, as a VC had been won by a soldier in the town, the late Captain Jeffries. It was also resolved to allow the soldiers who had left Australia to become members of the association, whether they had seen action or otherwise.

CHARLESTOWN

A large audience assembled in the Institute Hall on Saturday, to appreciate the enlistment of Privates Paterson, Morgan, Booth, and Emslie, who were undergoing their training in camp, but discharged on the signing of the armistice. A presentation of a gold ring, suitably inscribed, to each of the soldiers, on behalf of the public of Charlestown, was made by members of the Red Cross committee. Each soldier suitably responded and refreshments were provided by the committee for the guests and their friends. A dance followed.

GRETA

Mr and Mrs McMahon, of High Street, Greta, have received a cable message from their son, Lieutenant L. S. McMahon (who was a prisoner of war in Germany), saying he has arrived in Edinburgh.

MINMI

Miss Janet Shears, of Minmi, has received a letter from Chaplain J. Calder, dated from France, referring to the death of her brother, Private Frederick Shears, who was killed in action. After offering his sympathy, Chaplain Calder says: “Your brother was killed instantaneously by a shell on the 9th April, in Villers Bretonneux. On that day the battalion moved out to go into the front line. The Germans were not far away, and they heavily shelled the place during the whole of the time we were in the village. A big shell struck the building where your brother was, entirely demolishing the place, and killing your brother and wounding several others. The same day he was buried, and his grave is in the garden of the big Chateau, which was used as our headquarters during our stay in Villers Bretonneux. He was a fine fellow, bright and cheerful in his manner, and liked by all who knew him. His death was a great loss to his company, and to our battalion, for we can ill afford to lose such men in these trying times.”

Miss Shears has also received a letter from Private T. Etheridge, who, in the course of his letter, says: “Your brother's death was felt by all who knew him here, and, in fact, the whole battalion. You can feel proud of your brother, as he was a brave soldier, and one to do all he could for his fellow comrades.” Private P. O'Connell arrived home from the front on Friday night.

WALLSEND, PLATTSBURG

The ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the Wallsend Soldiers' Memorial will be performed by Mr. D. Watkins, M.H.R., on Saturday afternoon next. The function will be attended by Brigadier-General Paton, returned soldiers, and ladies of various patriotic bodies. Selections will be played by the Model Band and patriotic songs contributed. An invitation is extended to the returned soldiers of Wallsend and district to parade in front of the monument site, Plattsburg Park, at 2.40 p.m. In the meantime, they are requested to get into touch with Sergeants Huntley or Hyslop.

WARATAH

There was a large assemblage at the Waratah School of Arts on Monday night, when a reception was given to Brigadier-General Paton, Gunner Gaites, and Petty Officer Gibbs. Lieutenant Brown, and Privates Clarke and Smith were to have been welcomed also, but were unable to be present. The returned men were motored to the hall in cars, lent for the occasion and were received with cordiality by those assembled in front of the hall. A guard of honour was formed by the Red Cross and the Patriotic League ladies, and the Mayfield Boy Scouts, appropriate music being supplied by the Waratah Town Band.

In welcoming the men on behalf of the citizens, Alderman A. Griffiths, the Mayor, referred to the pleasant conditions that prevailed now, in view of the close of the war. They were all proud of the part their own town had taken in furnishing recruits, and glad to welcome back among them those who had fought so well. The Mayor also expressed pleasure at their having with them that evening Mrs Paton, who recently returned from Europe. Each of the soldiers were presented with suitably inscribed gold medals, as emblems of the citizens' esteem and admiration for their patriotism. The Rev. R. Campbell and Mr D. Watson spoke of the value of Australia's service in the war. In responding, Brigadier-General Paton said that the Australian soldiers, both in Gallipoli and France, were the admiration of their officers, whom they had never failed. Refreshments were provided by the ladies during the evening, and a vocal and musical programme was enjoyed by all.

SEND FOR THE DOCTOR

The public are warned to take no chances with the influenza epidemic should it make its appearance in Australia, but to send for the family doctor and go to bed. This Influenza plague has already proved itself deadly, and has now broken out in New Zealand, and it may make its appearance in Australia any day, in spite of the rigid quarantine regulations. If you have an attack of the real influenza your digestion will be a wreck, your head, legs, and back will ache, your heart action may be affected, and you will have a temperature. These conditions need the attention of a skilled medical attendant.

It stands every member of the community in hand to so look after their general health to prevent if possible becoming infected with this deadly germ, and to accomplish this no better remedy could be taken than Dr. Morse's Indian Root Pills. They are a searching, cleansing remedy. They are mild in their action, but highly effective in cleansing the system of all impurities and preventing germs getting a chance to incubate. Petroleum oils, salts, tonics, and other so-called remedies are of little use to cleanse the system and keep these germs in check, in fact, they will have a tendency to aggravate an already deranged gastric condition. It would also be advisable to take from 5 to 10 grains of Aspirin two or three times daily if feeling out of sorts, or 10 grains of Quinine on retiring at night the same time as the pills are taken. A common cold can usually be broken up if either Aspirin or Quinine are taken with Dr. Morse's Indian Root Pills on the first indication of a cold.

Following these simple precautions may prevent an attack of serious illness. If you get the real influenza do as already stated, send for the doctor, and go to bed. Don't try and doctor yourself. The complaint is too dangerous to take chances with. The doctor may or may not allow you to continue taking Dr. Morse's Indian Root Pills. In any case, follow his directions both with medicine and food, and you will be on the safe side.

DEATH OF SISTER EGAN

Sister Egan, a military nurse from off the troopship Medic, died from pneumonic influenza at the quarantine hospital at North Head on Wednesday afternoon. It is stated that the next of kin of deceased lives in East Maitland. The latest hospital report shows that there were four new cases. There are 13 dangerously ill, 13 seriously ill, and 96 merely ill. In addition, there are 121 convalescents in hospital, 269 convalescents on the station (healthy ground), and 551 contacts on the quarantined ships. Among the patients entered to the quarantine hospital at North Head on Wednesday were Private Evan G. Braithwaite (next of kin, Mrs T.A. Braithwaite, of Maitland Street, Newcastle), and Private Amos Wm. G. Cullip (next of kin, Jacob Cullip, of 75 Broadmeadow Street, Broadmeadow, Newcastle).

In the Legislative Assembly Mr Loughlin asked the Premier if, in view of the great anxiety that parents were enduring because they could not get satisfactory news from quarantine regarding their sons, he would consider the advisableness of making representation to the Federal authorities with a view of getting information telegraphed every day to the parents of those returned men who were dangerously ill. Mr Holman, the Premier, replied that he had drawn the attention of the Acting Prime Minister to a number of allegations that had been made about mismanagement at the quarantine station. As to whether the allegations were true or not, he could not say. If an inquiry was granted by the Federal Government he would bring this matter under the notice of whoever was appointed to conduct the inquiry.

LIEUTENANT PRINCE

Mr T. P. Prince, of James Street, Mayfield, has received word that his son, Second Lieutenant T. H. Prince, of the Australian Flying Corps, who was reported seriously wounded in both thighs, is now convalescent. Lieutenant Prince is an Anzac, and he sustained his wounds a few days before he was to leave France on extended furlough.

SERGEANT REDDING

Mrs Redding, of Throsby Street, Wickham, has received information that her husband, Sergeant James Redding, has been admitted to the Boscombe Military Hospital, England, suffering from concussion, and that four of his toes have been amputated.

LATE TROOPER TERRY

Mrs Terry, of Tyrrell Street, Newcastle, has received a letter from Captain C. J. McKay, of the Fourth Light Horse Brigade, referring to her son, the late Trooper A. J. (Bert) Terry, who was killed in action in Palestine. Captain McKay, in offering his sympathy, says that the death of Trooper Terry was a great blow to his comrades. Captain McKay says: “On the morning of October 25 we were detailed to attack Semakh. We took the place in 40 minutes, but poor Bert, with some twenty others, passed away. He and his comrades were buried on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, with military honours. When our padre buried them, he told us to tell their people they died planting the British flag in territory over which it had never flown before.” Trooper Terry was previously wounded, and had two horses shot under him.